C&C 24 -- Tightening Keel Bolts

[praxis1949]

Greetings all,

I have a 1983 baby C&C (C&C 24). There is a crack where the keel is joined to the boat, but no actual separation. The wife says its been there for as long as she can remember. My internet search has found varying messages about trying to tighten keel boats (some say do, some say don't, and some say if you have to tighten the bolts you have another problem). There is also talk about the C&C "smile" (the crack in the keel joint I assume) as being normal. The C&C manual that came with the boat says nothing.

Anyone have any experience with tightening keel bolts on a C&C 24? Advice?

John S
Aylmer, Quebec, Canada

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Checking the torque on your keel bolts should be part of your regular maintenance. When I owned a C&C 24, I checked them every year before the boat went in the water.

Here are the torque specs. http://www.cncphotoalbum.com/doityourself/torquebolts/torquebolts.htm

 

[Warren Milberg]

As long as you are not seeing evidence of rust on your interior keel bolts, or any other sign of water intrusion from the keel, I'd assume it's "smile," scrape it out, fill with 5200 and go sailing.

I had a C&C 24 for many years and sailed it all over the Chesapeake in all kinds of weather. A great little boat as long as you pay attention to its limitations (goes for all boats....). After I sold it, it eventually ended up in Ontario and the current owner totally restored the boat and it looks amazing!

 

[praxis1949]

Thank you both for your replies. I checked my owner's manual, and there is no reference to regular keel boat tightening (or a suggested torque). I figured the bolt size had to be 3/4 inch (as the 24 is C%C's smallest boat). Of course, I checked the bolt size, and found it to be 7/8 inch (unless C&C decided to go metric). That size isn't mentioned in the guide so kindly proved by the first respondent. I would assume a torque of between 80-90 lbs.

My inclination is to torque it to 80-90 lbs (not so extreme), and then do a little grinding and filling. Course, if I had a life.......


Thanks again,

John S
Aylmer, Quebec

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Thank you both for your replies. I checked my owner's manual, and there is no reference to regular keel boat tightening (or a suggested torque). I figured the bolt size had to be 3/4 inch (as the 24 is C%C's smallest boat). Of course, I checked the bolt size, and found it to be 7/8 inch (unless C&C decided to go metric). That size isn't mentioned in the guide so kindly proved by the first respondent. I would assume a torque of between 80-90 lbs.

My inclination is to torque it to 80-90 lbs (not so extreme), and then do a little grinding and filling. Course, if I had a life.......


Thanks again,

John S
Aylmer, Quebec

Did you check the bolt diameter or the nut? If I recall, only a very small portion of the bolt shows through and that might have a slight taper to it.

 

[praxis1949]

Keel Bolt Madness

Thanks again. Just bought a 7/8th socket. Tell you all tomorrow if I am wrong!

John S